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NVIDIA Discloses More Detail for Upcoming 64-bit Tegra K1

This afternoon, NVIDIA made more information regarding the 64-bit Tegra K1 processor known, showcasing this information during a technical conference on high-performance chips called HOT CHIPS, while also posting an informative blog post.

Back in January, NVIDIA announced the 32-bit Tegra K1, which now powers the SHIELD Tablet, but since then, bits of info has been made public regarding a 64-bit version of the processor. The 64-bit Tegra K1, as we now know thanks to NVIDIA, is a custom-designed, dual-core “Project Denver” CPU, which is fully ARMv8 architecture compatible. In addition, the 64-bit TK1 is pin compatible with the 32-bit Tegra K1 for “ease of implementation” and faster time to market.

Bringing what NVIDIA calls “exceptional performance and superior energy efficiency,” the 64-bit Tegra K1 is the world’s first 64-bit ARM processor for Android. While a few may be taken aback by its “dual-core” tag, don’t get held up on how many cores the chip features. As the company states, “the dual-CPU cores can attain significantly higher performance than existing four- to eight-core mobile CPUs on most mobile workloads.”

Unsurprisingly, NVIDIA quickly covers when folks might see this 64-bit chip hit the market, as the company is working closely with Android partners to bring devices to customers later this year that feature the new silicon. And for the “hardcore” Android users among us, NVIDIA states “we’re already developing the next version of Android – “L” – on the 64-bit Tegra K1.”

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Cool! Another awesome nvidia chipset that will only be in like one phone, maybe…………..

NotSure

Well, they have something to prove, because the Tegra chip in my N 7 2012 is crapping out, even did a full reset on my tablet, and still getting problems especially in games. The longevity of tegra chips doesn’t seem to be great.

Raven

If you are experiencing the same problem I did with my N7 2012, it is not the processor that is crapping out, but the memory. From what I have read, Asus used cheap ram and a slow memory bus which lead to both the stuttering performance and high death rate of earlier batches of that model.

Jason B

Don’t expect it to be any better with the K1. It runs pretty damn hot, but well within the range of silicon. Still, concerning for those that keep hardware for a longer term. I don’t know how it’d perform in a smaller package like a phone, but it’d likely be throttled.

Ughh I may have to end up getting the Nexus 8/9 with the Denver K1 chip if it’s announced soon since it seems the Nvidia Shield is very susceptible to cracking in the corners of the metal frame there’s already a 14 page thread about it in their forums.

SamBoy

You are telling me the eight people that brought a shield thing all had their frames crack and all got together to make a 14 page thread about it on nvidas forum? Srsly 100% of the people that brought this needed help with a cravked frame that has to be a record

Presumably the HTC Nexus tablet will be the first 64-bit Android device. It’ll be interesting to see what the performance gains are versus A15 or A57/A53 chips.

Dale

Wonder if they are getting a discount to be the first to use it, so they can get the chips out there to convince other OEM’s that their’s superior to qualcomm’s chips?

SeanPlunk

It would be a good strategy. The Tegra 4 never really caught on and Qualcomm almost monopolizes the market for devices in the United States at this point. I’ve been very happy with my Snapdragon powered devices, but it would still be nice to have some healthy competition.

renz

i heard that qualcomm have to make deal with samsung so samsung will use their 805 in their phones.

NorCalGuy

should be interesting how the 805and even 801 compares to this k1 as they are working with andoid L and the 64 bit part once android L comes out. Also hope it comes out for something besieds thier tablet

Dave

We already saw some comparisons last month that the new Exynos OctaCore walks on the K1. I’d imagine it really doesn’t matter since Nvidia has a very small resume of good selling devices with their chips in them.

renz

is it comparison to nvidia denver or the quad K1?

NorCalGuy

The 64-bit k1 is based on the 32-bit denver k1, but neither are quad both are dual.

NorCalGuy

I can look it up on google but just wondering what devices the tests were on or was it just the chip? Even though i dont see a reason for an octacore the competition is always nice especially if it just makes better products for us the consumer in the end.

Dave

Not sure honestly, it was post on DL about 2 weeks ago.

WickedToby741

Duh they’re developing for Android L. It’s the first version of Android with 64-bit support baked in.

Ricky Retardo

Thanks, we had no idea L was 64 bit.

And we already know iOS was 64 bit for a year now. Android only about a year and half behind.

Bruce

not really behind at all since Apple didn’t implement it fully on iPhone 5S; only 1mb of ram, no multitasking and no 64bit apps.

Jacob

Real clever.

M3D1T8R

1mb of RAM, dang I think I had more than that even in my old 386. At least 1MB anyway.

(Actually the Iphone has about 8000 times as much ram as you say, though I agree it’s still pitifully low.)

tiger

No 64 bit apps? Are you ignorant or just a typical phandroid?

Zach Cline

And ios is finally getting third party keyboards and a little more customization . Only about five years behind .

http://twitter.com/geoff5093 Geoff Johnson

Hey, how’s wireless charging and real multitasking with 3rd party keyboards on that tiny 4″ screen with the largest bezels around?

Dave

OK. Thanks for the heads up to wicked..

Dave

You *

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